"Another great evening of beautiful jazz. A little spoilt by the distracting behaviour of people in front of us."

"Lovely venue. Need people in front to stop moving about so can enjoy watching. Wonderful music."

"Very good. Nice range of music from both sets."

Responses to a request for comments on ways to improve the event

"Can't think of any. Would definitely come again."

"Nothing. Wish my mince pies were that good. Well done!"

"Website very good, venue and event good, excellent."

"None!"

"Dress code of group could be brighter! A little too much amplification on the bass."

"Lovely venue. Very cosy."

"Not much to improve. Possibly better lighting from car park. Save up for new chairs." [Ed: The lighting of the path from the car park will be improved for future concerts. I'm afraid we're probably stuck with the chairs.]

"Website fine. The venue was gorgeous, looked so pretty. Mince pies were the best ever. Thank you!"

"Would be good to have fliers with info on the bands playing, & upcoming gigs next year." [Ed: good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.]

The Artists

Madi Stimpson:

Madi Stimpson is an exciting and original guitarist and singer-songwriter. Leaving home at 16, he learned to play by busking and playing small pub gigs before taking off round Europe with his guitar in the late 80s. Especially spending time in Belgium, Holland and Ireland, Madi learnt from many great local folk and jazz musicians.

Settling in Cardiff in the year 2000 he ran his own band The MadIntentions, playing a mix of original, Irish, folk, bluegrass and jazz. They were popular performers in the South Wales area for five years.

Moving back to the Midlands at the end of the Noughties Madi started his own trio, again playing a diverse mix of guitar music, ranging from original compositions, to versions of great classics and contemporary pieces.

Along with live performance and songwriting, Madi has also been commissioned a number of times to compose music for plays, films and animations, puppet shows and experimental theatre.

With influences ranging from Chet Atkins and Les Paul, to Frank Zappa and Tarraf de Hadouks, bebop virtuosos Charlie Parker and Wes Montgomery, the gypsy jazz guitar masters Django Reinhardt and Bireli Lagrene and the British and Celtic folk legends of John Martyn, Pentangle and Moving Hearts, to mention but a handful of inspirational names, Madi draws on an astoundingly rich and varied range of styles.

Appleby Kinsey:

Hannah West joined the group in January 2016 as double bass player. Hannah is a talented and versatile musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, teacher and composer.

Talitha Cole and Emma's Stone's voices combine in beautiful harmonies over lyrical, catchy, original songs in a variety of styles, from Latin jazz to folk.

Since 2010 Appleby Kinsey have been playing weddings, festivals, cruise boats, bars, restaurants and have a dedicated following in the region. They have a large repertoire of original songs in various genres ranging from cool jazz to straight pop and contemporary folk, using an appealing mixture of these styles. They have released one album, ‘Begin Again’ on CD and download, containing 14 original songs. Tracks from ‘Begin Again’ are regularly played on BBC Local Radio.

The Venue

The Ale House

Mill Lane Colwall WR13 6HJ

The Ale House is a delightful and intimate concert venue, with warm acoustics.

Despite its name, there are no bar facilities at The Ale House and events there do not normally make alcoholic drinks available for sale. Most events, however, are bring-your-own. Wine glasses are made available.

In the 16th Century The Ale House was a place to serve ale to the parishioners of Colwall after church services. Nowadays, while having all modern facilities, it retains its ancient charm, with oak beams and leaded windows.

It is situated adjacent to St James the Great Church in Colwall. From the main B4218 going through the main part of Colwall, turn down Mill Lane, which is just north of the railway bridge. Go past Colwall Village Hall and the church is about half a mile further down the lane.

Park in the large car park next to the church and walk through the churchyard to the Ale House.

For reasons of safety parking is not allowed immediately adjacent to the building.

Disabled Access

The Ale House is fully equipped for wheelchair access.

There is a pull-in space by the main door at the south end of the building (shown in the picture) for drop-off.